UPDATED: Suspect charged with punching Waterford officer while being arrested

Waterford — A man punched an officer in the face Sunday night while the officer was arresting him, police said.

Andrew Sligar, 22, of 833 Vauxhall St. Ext., Waterford, has been charged with breach of peace, assault of public safety personnel and interfering with an officer.

Two officers responded to Vauxhall Street Extension, near the location of Sligar's residence, at around 10:30 p.m. after a neighbor called to complain that Sligar had been outside screaming, according to Lt. Brett Mahoney. Mahoney said additional officers later arrived on the scene.

An officer whom Mahoney would not identify initially attempted to arrest Sligar for a breach of peace infraction, the lieutenant said. On April 21, the department released the name of the officer, John Bunce.

Then Sligar "ripped his shirt off and took a posture with the officer like he was going to assault him," leading to the charge of interfering with an officer, Mahoney said.

The officer, now identified as Bunce, was able to gain physical control over Sligar and was handcuffing the suspect when Sligar slipped away "and he punched the officer," said Mahoney.

Police arrested Sligar at 10:46 p.m. He was held overnight at the Waterford police station on a bond of $25,000 and was taken to New London Superior Court this morning.

Bunce was take to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. He stayed home from work Monday, at the recommendation of a doctor. Mahoney said police were not releasing the name of the officer because of departmental policy.

Sligar has in the past faced charges including interfering with an officer and third-degree assault.